CYOA Part Nine: The Demons Loose

Remi is giving you a sweet, almost sympathetic smile as you pull out your phone again and bring up Evander’s messages.

“This is gonna be a hard one to explain,” you murmur.

“Just do you best,” Remi chuckles.

You take a breath then type the message. “Long story short, when you get here I’m releasing Ebal from being trapped under my bed. I can explain in more depth when you get here.” You set your phone done and nodded. “Yeah, I think that’s the best choice.”

Your phone began ringing.

Remi smirks. “I guess he didn’t want to wait.”

“Hello?” You answer your phone.

“What do you mean Ebal is trapped on your bed?” Evander asks urgently.

“I said I would explain when you got here. It’s a lot to get across in a text message.”

Evander half chuckles. “Did you think I could sit on that the entire drive over though? I don’t think I would have lasted.”

You smile. “It’s a long story, involving Remi and a few other details about myself I wasn’t really aware of.”

“Remi?” Evander balks. “The goat Remi?”

You glance to Remi who gives you a look. “Not exactly a goat.”

Evander sighs. “Okay, okay, just tell me how you got Ebal trapped on your bed of all places?”

You stood up so you could pace. “Remi was having me put down a salt circle and Ebal was already hiding under my bed.”

The phone went silent on Evander’s end.

“Hello?”

“I’m still here, I’m just trying to process how he was…already…under the bed,” Evander says slowly.

You rub the back of your neck, turning on your heel as you continue to pace around the front lawn. “Like I said it’s a lot. I’m still trying to process most of it.”

“I’ll be there shortly and you can give me better detail about it. But are you okay?” He asks.

“I think so. Maybe.” You look back at the house. “I’ve learned a lot in this short amount of time. I’ll figure out if I’m okay once I get through all of it.”

“Well, I can’t say if it’ll be okay or not, but I’ll be there soon. Hopefully that might help you some.”

“Thanks, I’ll see you soon.” You hang up then look back at Remi. “Well, back up is on the way.” You sit back down beside him and look out over the woods. “Are things here in Hearthway Hollow always so hectic?”

He tilts his head to the side and hums as he thinks. “I’m used to pretty much most of what happens around here. It’s a town founded by werewolves, but even for that it’s pretty calm. We have our problems every now and then.”

“How long have you been here?” You ask.

A smile appears on his face that’s kind of sweet. “I didn’t really consider myself ‘here’ until I met Beau.” He leans back and looks up at the sky. His dark urls fall away from his face and from around his striking blue eyes. “He had just arrived here in Hearthway Hollow. He was staying in this old, run down rental cabin. He was staying there dirt cheap because he promised to fix up the place for Billy. So, between repairs and all he was trying to garden. I say trying because I kept eating everything.”

“I figured,” you reply.

“Beau set up a few traps, but I always evaded them. The two of us were like an old cartoon. We kept fighting back and forth, but I always somehow got the upperhand.” His gaze then turned soft and his smile faded. “Then one day I saw him crying. And it was a deep, awful cry. I’d seen lots of weeping and anguish in my day, but that was a first. I’d not seen many men cry in such a fashion. Guess I felt bad for the kid. Not long after I let one of his traps get me. And two of us have been together ever since. I see him like he’s my own, and now that he has a family, I feel it’s my duty to protect them.” He then takes on his usual gruff look and turns to face you and your smile.

He coughs and clears his throat. “So I’d say I’ve been part of Hearthway Hollow for fifteen years or so.”

“How long do goats live?”

“Look, no one's questioning it so far, don’t push your luck,” he grunts.

Just then Evander’s truck appeared on the horizon.

Remi sighs. “Guess the cat will be out of the bag now anyways. Everyone will know I’m not a goat.”

“Shift back then. They don’t have to know everything.” You stand as Evander pulls up into the driveway. Remi trots out beside you, back in his goat form.

Evander looks up at the house as he steps from the truck then turns to look at you. His eyes glance down to Remi briefly before he looks at you again. “Okay, so where’s Ebal?”

You go up to Evander and put your arms around him. His great, big arms fold around you and it is exactly the sort of comfort you need. “The bedroom in the back,” you sigh.

Evander put his hands upon your shoulders. “Let’s wait a second. So what’s the plan exactly? Why were you making a salt circle in the first place, and now why are you undoing it?”

“For protection against Ebal, and because now I think Ebal isn’t going to do anything to hurt me.” You shrug. “Because well…it turns out that I am-” You weren’t sure how to explain this. “Do you know who Pan is?”

Evander frowns. “I’m aware of him.”

“I’m a child of his,” you say quietly. “Which is something I’m still processing.”

Evander removes his hands from you. “Is that why Ebal is under the bed?” Rage fills his eyes. “Was he going to do something to you?” He turns to go inside the house.

“Wait! Wait! That’s what I’m trying to say, that’s why I want you here. I’ve been talking to him and I think he might be somewhat trustworthy. But I want you here just in case. I could have done it with just Remi, but I think he would have killed Ebal.”

Evander stares down confused at the goat. “About Remi-”

“I know. He’s not exactly a normal goat. I’ll let him decide if he wants to go into detail with you.”

Remi heads into the house and Evander keeps his eyes on him. His hand then goes around you waist and he leans down closer to you. “You could have called me at any time. I would have come.”

You smile but then look away. “You just met me, I didn’t want to be a bother. Besides, learning of my origins I was questioning a few things.”

“It must be a lot. We can talk about it later if you want.” Evander places a small kiss on your forehead. He then takes your hand and walks inside with you.

Ebal is waiting in the bedroom, sitting crossed legged and facing the door. He perks up as Evander walks in. “Oh you brought the big guy.”

“ brought him so Remi doesn’t kill you.” You come up to the salt line. “You best behave, alright? Luke said you need me to live, so I don’t think you’ll be stupid.”

“I can be stupid all I want. But I know not to shit in my dinner bucket,” Ebal huffs. He cuts his eyes over to Evander. “What else did Luke say?”

“Don’t worry about it.” You take your foot and swipe away a section of salt.

Ebal steps down from the bed and walks towards you. “I’ll just go home then. I don’t think anyone wants me here.”

Evander puts his arm out and stops Ebal from leaving. “Not so fast. You still have to explain some things to me.”

Ebal grimaces. “Have her tell you everything. I’m tired. I miss Mero.”

“No. I think she’s been through enough. I want to hear the story from your lips so I can know if I trust you or not. You’ve been an annoying thorn in my side, you owe me this.”

Ebal pouts. “I like your diner, excuse me if you have a place a business I enjoy.” He then scoffs. “Can we at least go into the kitchen? I’m annoyed with this room.”

You tug Evander’s arm, moving him side so you can all go into the kitchen. Remi is waiting there, glaring as Ebal takes a seat at the table.

“Oh good, are we gonna do good cop, bad cop. Because I like being both punished and praised,” he laughs as he sits down.

Remi growls.

“This isn’t fun and games, Ebal. At least I’m not letting it be.” Evander sat down across from him. “So start. Why the hell should I trust you?”

Ebal leans back. “Fine. Take the fun out of it. Well, your girl here is a child of Pan. And I used to be a follower of Pan. Not because I wanted to, but because I had to.”

“I’m sure you have an excuse,” Evander says.

“Not an excuse! I’m serious. Since I left my realm I can’t feed like I need to. Pan was best option, and now that he’s dead I’m damn near starving.” he points at you. “This one is the first meal I’ve had in a long fucking time.”

“When?” Evander balks.

Ebal shrugs, suddenly going a bit shy. “When she got here with Luke. Then with you.” His eyes dart back and forth between him and the table top.

“You fed off me?” Evander growls.

“And it was good too!” Ebal is ready to snap back. “You were a hearty beef stew too. Luke’s good, but you? You gave her something special that night.” He smirks as he says this.

“You little-”

“Stop,” you warn him. “He didn’t do anything except heighten my own natural desires. It’s my fault I seduced you. Not his.”

“Not entirely,” Evander grumbles. He can’t fully argue.

“I’m not going to hurt her,” he huffs. “In fact, I’ve been looking for someone like her for a long time. When I was with Luke we looked together. But the bastard had to go around and play a hero and protect the damsel in distress.”

“Did he know you were going to do something to her?” Evander asks.

“No! I wanted us all to be together. I didn’t think Luke would-” Ebal frowns and crosses his arms against his chest. “He broke her heart too, that makes us buddies. I’m not hurting her. I need her.” He sighs and stiffens his jaw. “Can I go home?”

“Fine. Go on.” Evander says.

You approach Ebal as he goes to the door. “Sorry. About Luke. About the bed.”

“Don’t apologize for him,” Ebal grunts. “Luke has his own reasons and he’ll make up for them eventually.” He leans in, placing his forehead on yours. “I can’t promise I won’t be an annoying shit, but I will behave to keep myself alive.”

“You’re not doing your horny touch are you?”

Ebal grins. “Not unless you let me join in.”

You pull away with a smile. “I’ll see you later, Ebal.” You close the door behind him as he leaves.

“Are you sure about this?” Evander asks.

“No,” you sigh. “I guess I’m just waiting on things to prove me wrong.”

Evander brings you into his lap and he kisses you. “I’m glad you’re alright.”

“Thanks for coming. If we didn’t have to go I’d like to show you some of that appreciation.”

Evander yanks his head back a bit. “Is that you or the demon talking?”

“Me. Apparently I have a bit of my father in me,” you grouse. “But my car awaits. I’m hoping Ollie has some good news for me.” You get off Evander’s lap and walk with him to his truck.

“What about him?” Evander points to Remi who is standing on the lawn.

“I’ll be fine,” Remi says and starts walking towards the woods.

Evander watches him, his eyes wide and jaw opening slowly. “Did he just-”

“Best to accept it,” you say. “Let's go.”

Evander chuckles. “I’ve known that goat for years. And he can talk? What the hell is he, did you tell you?”

“That’s up to him.” You give Evander a smile. “He likes you though. Don’t worry.”

You drive back into town, going to the garage where Ollie greets with a smile. Their long blue hair is tied into a braid today and hangs down past their rear.

“I have both good news and bad news,” they say. “But even the bad news isn’t all horrible.” They lead you back towards your car. “What would you like to hear first?”

“Bad news, I’m used to that today.”

Ollie gives you an odd look but shrugs. “Bad news is that I have to order parts to fix what’s going on. Until then I can fix the part of the frame that’s bad pretty easily here. But all those parts means time and some money.”

“Not too bad. What’s the good news?”

“Good news is I found the parts pretty cheap, so it won’t be as much as I first estimated. Time is the only enemy here.”

“You’re lucky I have time.” You murmur. “And money shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll pay when I have to.”

“I’m guessing you found somewhere to stay here indefinitely then?” Ollie asks. “Trust me, this town seems sleepy but there’s lots here to do. Same thing happened to me when I first got here.”

“You crashed here?” You ask.

Ollie smiles, looking more beautiful than a person needed to. “I did! But I turned my lemon into lemonade. I felt secure here as time went on.” They walk back towards their office. “How are you enjoying it so far?”

“Learning,” you follow behind them. “What changed your mind about leaving?”

“Wel, for one it would have been difficult.” Ollie sits down behind their desk and turns on their laptop. “And two I just liked the people here.”

“The people are interesting,” you say.

Ollie glances over towards the window where you could see Evander sitting in his truck. “Lucky you too. You’re with one of the best people in town.”

“Evander? Yeah,” your cheeks blush. “He’s pretty great.”

Ollie types into his laptop. “I’ve had a crush on him for ages.”

Your heart leaps.

“Sorry, is that too much?” Ollie laughs. “I dunno why, but I felt I could share that with you. Hope that doesn’t step on your toes or anything?”

“No. I’m kind of surprised is all. Evander speaks very highly of you.”

Ollie’s smile grows. “He’s so sweet.” He taps a button and the printer starts grinding and whining. “This is a detailed list of everything, the parts and the labor. If you have an issues with anything I’m open to discuss.”

“Really? That’s legal?” You laugh.

“I like keeping my customers, I feel this gives me an edge.” Ollie gives you a wink as they pass you the paper. “I also can work on a payment plan if needed. But I’ll need your consent for parts and everything soon.”

“It's expensive,” you say as you look over the list. “But it’s far less than I thought. I think it’ll be okay.”

Ollie seems surprised. “You sure? You don’t want to go and research everything?”

You shake your head and sign the paper. “I’m a bit exhausted from thinking things over. If there’s a mistake it’s my fault from here on out.”

Ollie takes the document from your hands. “I’ll do my best then.”

Evander walks into the shop as Ollie is scanning the document. “Mero just invited us over for dinner tomorrow,” he says.

Your face heats up. “Really?”

Evander glances back to Ollie. “Ollie, she says you can too. I told her I was here and she extended the invite.”

“Oh how sweet of her,” Ollie beams. “I’ll ask her if I need to bring anything.”

“Everything okay in here?” Evander asks.

“So far so good. We were just talking about how a crash brought us both here.” Ollie stapled some papers together, handing you one and then keeping another. “I was telling her too how jealous I am that you came to her rescue. Mrs. Locklear got to me first.”

Evander chuckles. “Had I been able, I would have happily helped you too Ollie.”

There was definitely something mutual in the air. “How did you two meet?”

“I got my first job at Evander’s diner,” Ollie says. “Thanks to him, I was able to get connections here at the garage and take it over when the owner retired.”

Evander laughs. “The owner liked you. You were the only one he would let serve him. You can’t say I’m responsible for that.”

“I will always blame you,” Ollie then glances back. “Well, my next appointment is here. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow though.”

“Thanks again,” you say as you stand up. “I really appreciate it.”

“Nothing to it.” Ollie waves as you leave.

As you get into the truck you look Evander’s way with a smile. “You and Ollie seem quite flirty.”

Evander’s posture stiffens. “We’re close, that’s all.”

You chuckle. “What? Nothing wrong with it. Ollie’s quite possibly the prettiest person I’ve ever met.”

Evander huffs. “You’re just as pretty.”

You snicker and giggle. “I wasn’t trying to compare but thank you!”

“Ollie is an old friend,” Evander sighs. “I don’t think they see me as anything but a big brother type.”

“I’m not worried about anything. You don’t have to try and reassure me. I’m not going into anything serious right now, I told you.”

“I know,” Evander murmurs. “I guess it’s just a reflex.”

You pat his arm. “So, what are we doing now?”

“Well, I need to do some grocery shopping. But if you’re hungry we can go somewhere and grab something to eat.”